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SCOOP: Baskin-Robbins ice-creamery is the first new business to confirm its place in Grafton Shoppingworld's new diningprecinct.

As work continues on The Courtyard site on the corner of Fitzroy and Villiers Sts, Baskin-Robbins franchise partner, Philip Talbot, said his store would employ more than 10 local senior and junior staff.

"It is satisfying to play a part in job creation and training, particu- larly for young people entering the workforce," he said.

The 65sqm restaurant is being fitted out and will include indoor seating for 12 and outdoor seating for 16. The store will be open seven days a week from 10am-10pm.

Mr Talbot, who also owns and operates Baskin-Robbins in Coffs Harbour and Lismore, said the new Grafton restaurant was a major investment

The Courtyard precinct is costing more than $500,000 to build and owners have indicated more than 30 jobs will be created.

It is scheduled to open before Christmas and will be connected to Grafton Shoppingworld by a footpath.

It will house multiple restaurants, each with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating with an overall seating capacity of more than 200, as well as takeaway options.

Robert McConaghy, managing director of McConaghy Group, owners of Grafton Shoppingworld, said that further announcements would be made in due course to name the remaining restaurant tenancies in The Courtyard precinct.

Grafton Shoppingworld was subject of a major extension and refurbishment program in 2008.

Mr McConaghy said his com- pany had always maintained strong confidence in the Clarence Valley economy.

"Our company has been a major investor in Grafton as the commercial hub of the Clarence Valley for many years, and we intend to continue working with the city to play our part in creating jobs and training in a clean, functional and friendly work environment," he said.